The Amalfi Coast is one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken. From the views to the beach and the food, it’s really hard to beat. Figuring out how to approach the Amalfi Coast can be daunting, as there are so many options. Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting the Amalfi Coast and experiencing all it has to offer.
Day 1: Ravello
After landing at the Naples Airport, arrange for a driver to take you and your bags on the long mountain journey to Amalfi. The ride will give you some amazing views of the Coast, so have your GoPro ready! We used Giancarlo from Ravello Taxi our entire stay. His email is: Giancarlo@ravellotaxi.com
From here, we unloaded our luggage and explored Ravello, the highest point in Amalfi with the most stunning views. You can either do this as a day trip or stay one night. Ravello full of gorgeous 11th century palaces turned into hotels and restaurants that are truly breathtaking. One of these converted palaces is now the Hotel Belmond Caruso, which we had the pleasure of lunching at. The Pool Restaurant is on the roof of the hotel next to an infinity pool that appears as if it is hanging over the cliff of a mountain. So, after wandering around the winding old streets and inspecting the ceramic shops, head over to Belmond Caruso, but make a lunch reservation in advance.
After lunch, walk over to Villa Cimbrone, an ornate Italian garden that is part of an old palace and has these famous views called “The Terrace of Infinity.” The garden will take you about an hour and give you Instagram content for the rest of the year.
For dinner, experience the first of many great Italian meals by booking a dinner reservation at Rosselini’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant with the most amazing food. It is formal and a bit dressy, so be sure to pack appropriately.
Day 2: Positano
Have Giancarlo pick you up bright and early to head to Positano, which will be your home base for the rest of our trip. After checking into your hotel, head to the beach to sit in the sun in the black sand. The area is surrounded by shops and restaurants to pop into for lunch.
At night, head over to hotel Le Sirenuse’s champagne bar before sunset to drink aperitifs, have oysters and take in the sunset. take a reservation in advance for their restaurant called La Sponda, which is Michelin starred and just amazing. It is entirely lit by thousands of candles.
Day 3: Positano & Capri:
You only really need one full day in Capri. In order to see Capri, I highly recommend a private boat for the day. It was the highlight of my trip. It’s an expense, but totally worth it because of the things you will see. We used Angelo at Amalfi Marine (info@amalfimarine.com)
During your trip, you will go to the famous Blue Grotto and have seaside lunch with great views. When exploring Capri, take the monorail up and also make sure to leave time to get a drink at the JK Place’s terrace.
Day 4: Positano
Lunch at Da Adolfo: This is an absolute must. Make a reservation at this restaurant on a private beach well in advance of your trip. They only take phone reservations. Then, wait at the port for your boat to pick you up and whisk you away to the secluded restaurant.
You tan in the sun and then go to these rustic tables outside of Da Adolfo which is an old fish shack that has the best food. The food is really inexpensive but delicious and authentic (all the menus are in Italian). Their drinks are also great. This will be one of the many highlights of your trip.
Day 5: Positano
Head to a different beach today called Nerano. This one isn’t overrun by tourists, like the main one in town. Instead, it is mostly locals and has beautiful waters and great seaside food.
Have dinner at Il San Pietro’s Zass restaurant. The patio here is iconic, with beautiful views of the sun over a tiled terrace. Go early for drinks and then have dinner once the sun sets.
Day 6: Head home
When you leave Italy, if you fly out of Naples, be sure to go to Naples a little early to have what is considered the world’s best pizza. A restaurant called L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the most amazing thing you may ever eat. It is inexpensive and no frills. You can’t make a reservation so be prepared for a wait. Luckily, the table turn over very quickly.
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